Cocamide DEA (also known as cocamide diethanolamide, Ninol, 6501 type) is a widely used alkanolamide nonionic surfactant. It is chemically synthesized from natural coconut oil and appears as a light yellow to amber transparent viscous liquid. As an indispensable core auxiliary in many household and industrial cleaning formulations, its value lies in simultaneously achieving multiple functions such as thickening, foam stabilization, emulsification, and detergency, greatly simplifying formulation design and enhancing the user experience of end products.
The unique advantage of this product is its significant synergistic effect when combined with anionic surfactants (e.g., AES, LAS): a small addition can greatly increase system viscosity, produce dense and fine foam that persists, and prevent calcium soap precipitation even in hard water. This property makes it a standard component in products such as shampoo, body wash, and dishwashing liquid.
In addition, Cocamide DEA exhibits excellent oil emulsification and dispersion capabilities, effectively preventing soil redeposition and imparting a mild, rich feel to the skin, reducing excessive degreasing during cleaning. Its alkali resistance and broad compatibility make it excellent in industrial cleaning, textile processing, metalworking fluids, and even pesticide formulations.
| Characteristic | Description |
|---|---|
| Special Thickening | Efficiently increases system viscosity; synergistic thickening effect when combined with anionic surfactants, giving ideal rheological properties |
| Excellent Foam Stabilization | Significantly improves foam fineness and persistence; foam is rich and stable even in hard water |
| Strong Emulsification and Dispersion | Good emulsifying and suspending ability for various oils and waxes; effectively prevents soil redeposition and enhances oil removal |
| Alkali and Hard Water Resistance | Maintains excellent performance under high alkalinity and hard water conditions; no calcium soap precipitation; excellent compatibility |
| Mild and Rich Feel | Reduces excessive degreasing of the skin during cleaning, providing a comfortable user experience |
| Good Biodegradability | Degradation rate greater than 90% by OECD 301B method, making it an environmentally friendly additive |
Cocamide DEA (6501-80%) covers almost all aqueous cleaning systems: in personal care products (shampoo, body wash, hand soap) as the primary thickener and foam stabilizer; in household cleaning products (dishwashing liquid, laundry detergent, all-purpose cleaner) serving both thickening and detergency; in textile industry as a scouring agent and antistatic agent; in metalworking fluids providing emulsification, dispersion, and corrosion inhibition auxiliary; in agricultural adjuvants as an emulsifying dispersant. Recommended dosage is typically 1% to 5% of the total formulation, adjusted according to target viscosity and system type.
This product contains free diethanolamine (typically less than 5%). According to GHS classification, it is a skin irritant (Category 2), serious eye irritant (Category 2), and suspected carcinogen (Category 2). Protective gloves and goggles should be worn during handling, and ensure adequate ventilation. Do not use under nitrosation conditions (e.g., in the presence of nitrites in acidic environments) to avoid the formation of potentially carcinogenic N-nitroso compounds. Recommended storage temperature is 5°C to 40°C, sealed and protected from light, away from strong oxidizers and strong acids.